4/17/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Firebird- Dance Theatre of Harlem

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s iconic Firebird places the Russian folk tale about a magical bird that triumphs over evil in an exotic Caribbean setting. John Taras’ choreography to Stravinsky’s familiar score was further enlivened by sets and costumes by Geoffrey Holder. The 1982 DTH production was a tremendous worldwide success. Continue reading

3/15/24 O&A NYC CELEBRATING WOMEN ON SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Firebird- Dance Theatre of Harlem

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s iconic Firebird places the Russian folk tale about a magical bird that triumphs over evil in an exotic Caribbean setting. John Taras’ choreography to Stravinsky’s familiar score was further enlivened by sets and costumes by Geoffrey Holder. The 1982 DTH production was a tremendous worldwide success. Continue reading

2/12/21 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Passage – DTH On Demand

The Dance Theatre of Harlem premiered Passagechoreography by Claudia Schreier, during the 2019 DTH 50th anniversary season. Continue reading

7/31/20 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Leo Holder discusses Dougla- Bonus 1977 DTH Performance of Dougla

Leo Holder, son of the choreographer Geoffrey Holder, and Dance Theatre of Harlem Artistic Director Virginia Johnson discuss the origins of Dougla. This is followed by a special presentation of Dougla from a 1977 PBS Broadcast.

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7/28/20 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Dougla

The 2018 return of Geoffrey Holder’s masterwork Dougla to the repertoire Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) was a resounding success. The work is a sensorially sumptuous movement fest; and it is no wonder Dougla has remained an audience favorite since its premiere on April 16, 1974. 

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4/10/20 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Dance Theatre of Harlem- Creole Giselle

Arthur Mitchell’s Creole Giselle performed by the Dance Theatre Of Harlem (DTH), and set the traditional story of Giselle in 1841 Louisiana broke barriers with this all African American adaptation.  Continue reading

4/12/19 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Alicia Graf and Donald Willams Perform Return (Dance Theatre of Harlem)

Dance Theatre of Harlem former principal dancers Alicia Graf and Donald Williams perform Robert Garland’s Return Continue reading

4/9/19 O&A NYC DANCE: Christopher Charles McDaniel- A True “DTH Baby”

By Walter Rutledge

Christopher Charles McDaniel is a true “DTH Baby”. When the East Harlem native attended a Dance Theatre of Harlem lecture demonstration at his school the outgoing eight year old was instantly smitten. He was so enamored by the company and its charismatic director Arthur Mitchell that McDaniel decided he wanted to dance, and he wanted to dance at Dance Theatre of Harlem.   Continue reading

2/8/19 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Virginia Johnson in the Creole Giselle

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Arthur Mitchell’s Creole Giselle performed by the Dance Theatre Of Harlem (DTH), and set the traditional story of Giselle in 1841 Louisiana broke barriers with this African American adaptation.  Continue reading

4/2/18 O&A NYC DANCE: Ingrid Silva- Brown Ballerina

By Walter Rutledge

Ingrid Silva was like every little girl who studied ballet; she dreamed of being a ballerina. As Silva’s potential became evident she realized that there was little opportunity for a dark-skinned classical dancer in Brazil. In 2008, at age 18, she left home and moved to New York City to study at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.    Continue reading